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Overview

Details

Property

lodge

Sleeps

7

Bedrooms

3

Bathrooms

2

Minimum Stay

2 nights

Description

Menlo Lodge Rental Photos and Description

Cabin, 2 Bedrooms + Bedroom loft, 2 Baths, (Sleeps 6-7)

We welcome you to an incredible lodge in a wilderness setting, to a vast web of hiking trails for those who want to ride, hike, cross creeks, fish, wade and picnic at a waterfall; to a working (to say the least) organic farm where you can pat a goat, take fresh yard eggs from a chicken nesting box, meet Arabian horses, discuss the weather with a 150 lb. pet hog, and pick a tomato from a vine in season.

Located on a large farm, the lodge is completely private with only the sounds of strutting turkey, squaking green herons, bob whites, song birds and the snorts of white tail deer. However, it is located 5 1/4 miles from restaurants and shopping in historic Mentone, Al. and a short drive to state parks, a huge federal wildlife management area, and a federal historic preserve.

While some may want to relax in a rocking chair on the porch or swing in the hammock, others can take part in days of activities without leaving the property. Maps throught the property identify several water fall locations, wading areas of the creeks, rock overhangs that were Indian shelters for 2000 years, and hand worked coal mines active the turn of the 20th century. Pick up one of the cane poles to fish for bream and bass. Hike through azalea trails, ride a mountain bike across the ridges, or climb the bluff rocks onsite. A 13 acre hay field makes a world class place to fly a kite (and Lookout Mountain often sports a breeze) and you can throw a horse shoe while cooking at the grill.

The surrounding organic farm offers an introduction to a herd of fainting goats. About 50 myotonic does (females) give birth to about 60 kids each spring. You are invited to put them into the barn at sunset, meet the 'chamber of commerce' goat, hold a baby kid, and shake hands with a livestock guard dog.

Come visit a flock of top hatted laying hens and pull eggs from the nest.

You can visit three Woodland Indian sites (900 BC to 600 AD) and can check the archeological dig that is in progress and can see the collection of artifacts removed from the site.

At dusk or dawn, visitors can often see deer and turkey in the drive, and song birds on the feeder. Just before sunset, the coyotes sing an awesome chorus, joined by owls, whipporwills and night herons. You can see the milky way and constellations in a clear, unadulterated sky.

High Horse Lodge was built with the help of talented local artisans who incorporated native materials into the lodge. Beginning at the cedar support posts, the guests can grab the hitching post to climb the stairs for a twenty five mile view to the south, over the gulf (hills and valleys) of Lookout Mountain. The lodge interior is post and beam construction with rough cut timbers. Stairs are made from half logs of a Virginia pine, and railed with mountain laurel from the creek side. Furnishings are almost exclusively handcrafted: oak poster bed with walnut and oak marquetry, dining table with wide planks salvaged from a 200 year old oak tree that fell in ante bellum Mountain Cove Farms, coffee table top of cypress from a log that had been underwater in the Altamaha River for several hundred years, sofas of local yellow pine crafted in the Arts and Crafts tradition, willow porch furniture, and a porch dining table crafted from a 48' saw mill blade. The interior doors are hand made of pine with black colonial style hand crafted hardware.

A stunning chandelier by Iron Age Crafters, Inc. hangs from the cathedral ceiling, stampeding horse silhouettes in iron. Over the dining table is an antler chandelier constructed from sheds brought in by the livestock guard dogs. Other lighting includes a song bird chandelier in the Pine Bedroom and wall sconces in the stair area and entry. An antique coach lamps lights the mantle, while a ceramic planter lights the porch table.

Wall art is either original or antique. Front row center is a race horse painting by Ginger Lowry of Mentone. Other framed pieces includes a Persian miniature depicting Arabian horses in a thirteenth century battle, and an old lithograph of a German cavalry officer blowing taps. A casting of the Pharaoh's horses is framed in barn wood. Currier and Ives prints, an Egyptian papyrus painting, a large San Blas indian mola, and a Japanese etching round out the tribal and classical art selections.

While the environment is natural, the furnishings are luxurious. Monogrammed towels and sheets; down pillows, mattress toppers, and comforters; designer tableware, hand quilted place mats with seasonable cloth napkins; Mexican hand painted sinks and tile borders for the tiled baths; and a first class kitchen are part of the ambiance. A Pawley's Island hammock hangs in the shade, while a Texas style horse tie rack is available for steeds.

Because of the location of High Horse near the owners' farm, organic vegetables, yard eggs, and fresh flowers are seasonal fare at High Horse.

About Harriet

The High Horse Lodge project is the culmination of many years of vocations and avocations of us,Steve and Harriet. With a history in landscaping and growing flowers in the the wholesale nursery business, in designing and manufacturing silhouette lighting and furnishings, and in remodeling, we combined our experience to create High Horse Lodge on our wilderness property. With horses as a part of our lives, we made trails along the pristine creeks, through groves of fringe trees, along the rock overhangs where Indians lived for two thousand years, over the wildflower meadows, and through the dense old growth forests. We hope guests enjoy the environment that has been so dear to us.

Harriet purchased this lodge in 2010

Why Harriet chose Georgia

We did not buy, but created a guest facility that is an art work in itself, where visitors can share the incredible surroundings that we have relished over the years. We built High Horse Lodge to blend into the environment while providing every luxury for guests.

What makes this lodge unique

The land itself is the main benefit, with the view of the distant ridges and mountains, the trails and and incredible array of wildlife, both plant and animal. The miles of paths open the creeks and forests to the guests who can ride or hike, or just admire. The lodge was built by talented craftsmen who brought stone, wood, art and metal together for a wondrous venue. While the lodge is completely private, it is 5 miles from the restaurants and shopping in Mentone, Alabama, and close to Crockford/Pigeon Mtn. Wildlife areas, Cloudland Canyon, DeSoto State Park, and Little River Canyon.

Guestbook comments from the owner

For a recent trip to the area, 3 generations of our family stayed very comfortably at High Horse Lodge. We recommend this rental without reservations for families looking for a nice place to stay, on fantastic grounds. One thing that has not been mentioned is the proximity of the home to several area camps in the Mentone AL area – so if you are dropping off young ones at Camp Alpine, Camp Desoto, or Camp Skyline Ranch, this would be a perfect place for moms and dads and grandparents to be nearby and enjoy some of what the area has to offer.

ACCOMMODATIONS – The property description fairly and accurately describes all that is available, including the comforts and luxuries of the home. We enjoyed all the unique and custom furnishings and fixtures. Nearly every piece of furniture in the home has a story to tell (briefly described in the coffee table binder). Our group of 7 was very comfortable here, thanks to all the available amenities. The kitchen was outfitted with all the tools needed, and we were able to prepare meals easily.

LOCATION – HHL is on Lookout Mountain, easily accessible from one of the main roads on the mountain. The home is on part of the 500+ acre estate that the owners live and work in. We got to enjoy hikes on the trails, and even got to see the archeological sites mentioned (Indian rock ledge camp site, “portal to the underworld”, and prayer circle). There is plenty to do and see on site, but of course the home can serve as a great “base” to explore the area, including Chattanooga, which is about 40 minutes away.

HOSTS – The owners S and H were gracious and went “above and beyond” as many have already mentioned. They are very talented, hardworking, and generous people who are happy to host your family and rightly take great pride in what High Horse Lodge has to offer. Our small children were able to meet the famous “fainting goats” and got to help herd them in for the night. We also enjoyed fresh backyard eggs from their hens.

We could not be more pleased with our stay at HHL and recommend it without hesitation.

Beautiful property with amazing hosts

This was easily one of my favorite Homeaway stays ever. The place was immaculate, we had everything we needed, the hosts were charming and helpful without being obtrusive, and the grounds for hiking/exploring were just perfect. The pictures honestly don't do it justice at all. The house us so well-decorated and comfortable. We will be back!

We loved our little vacation in High Horse.

Steve and Harriet were very accommodating! We got to watch Harriet bring the goats in for the night. We even helped a bit. She was wonderful to take time with us and teach us all about raising goats. We also got personal attention from Steve, he told us about the Indian "caves" and gave us a map. We also got to use his "shooting range" across the road. My kids loved shooting their bows. We took a 2 hour hike right from our house! Great time, we will be back and have recommended it to our extended family. Harriet and Steve have taken such attention to details. I loved reading about the different places the High Horse furniture came from.

Awesome place and location

First of all just far enough out in the country very upscale cabin. Most of the cabin was built by the owners including furniture. Beautiful scenic views and landscape. The owner were amazing and they had everything you could possibility need in this house. Make sure you get out and walk the property, tons to see. The beds were all very comfortable. This place in my opinion is a 5 star rating. This will be a meeting place once a year for sure!

Relaxing

What a great property this is. Very secluded. The only sounds you hear are birds and an occasional cow. The screened in porch is a oasis of relaxation. A beautiful view of a Georgia mountain range and a great spot to watch the birds feed at the feeder. The house is very well maintained and very clean. Everything you need to make your stay comfortable is provided. The dishwasher is a huge plus. I highly recommend the hammock out front. Great place for a nap. We are already planning a return trip in the near future.

High Horse Lodge

My two sisters and I had a wonderful time staying at High Horse Lodge! The house is beautifully decorated, comfortable, with a well appointed kitchen and everything we needed for our 3 day stay. Harriet and Steve were extremely accommodating hosts, supplying us with eggs from their chickens and wonderful freshly picked tomatoes! Steve gave us a fantastic tour of the archeological dig site and the sacred ancient indian sites on their property and the trail system around the property was challenging and a great way to see and experience the flora and fauna.

It was a most relaxing and special sister time shared in a beautiful area! We toured the Desoto State Park and Little River Canyon but there is lots to see and do right there at the farm.

My sister located the High Horse Lodge for us to spend time together. We are all from different parts of the country: Asheville, AL, Seattle, WA, and Lexington, SC. This lodge was the perfect place for us to stay for our sister get together.

Get away from the chaos...

One of the best short vacations we have ever had. We were only able to get away from home for a couple of days, but Harriet and Steve immediately made us feel very welcome and at home. The lodge is very private and elegantly appointed with artwork by local artists. It is comfortable and the view from the porch is beyond compare. We enjoyed canoeing, hiking, archealogical digging for artifacts, games of Clue and watching the stars at night. We even met the goats and enjoyed fresh tomatoes! We frequently rent from VRBO when traveling and you never know for sure what you are getting, but this far exceeded all our expectations!

Cavers and rappellers and hang gliders come from all over the US to Lookout Mountain, nearby Mentone hosts the southernmost ski slope in the US, the Little River, which begins and crosses atop the mountain is one of the cleanest rivers in the US, flora and fauna abound and The Pocket Park is nationally known for wildflowers,

There are three fantastic parks closeby: Cloudland State Park, DeSoto State Park, and Little River Canyon. In addition is the nearby Zahn tract with rock climbing, Crockford/Pigeon Mountain Wildlife area with 43 miles of hiking/horse trails and the Pocket Wildlife area, and McLemore Cove with pre civil war house and farm.

Menlo Lodge Rental Rates

Notes: Rates are based on 2 guests; add $10 per night, per additional guest

Additional information about rental rates

Tax Rate

7.0%

Rate is $160 per night, plus $10 additional per person per night, INCLUDING children. The automatic calculator for vrbo is not currently accounting for children, so I will have to edit the rates after you receive them to account for the additional $10 per night per person INCLUDING CHILDREN. The website technicians are working on the problem and hope to solve it early in 2014.
Thank you, Harriet

High Horse Lodge is a place where visitors can be entertained for days without leaving the site. Walk, ride bicycles, or ride your own horses through more than 5 miles of wide, well kept trails. Fish from bream and bass in the pond. Wade the creeks in warm weather. Fly a kite in the 13 acre field (usually a breeze on the mountain). Play horse shoes. Visit the adjacent farm to meet the herd of 50 goats, 4 Arabian horses, two old pot belly pigs (enormous), a flock of Golden Nugget laying chickens and a 'chicken zoo' of ornamental chickens. During the season, you can sample a home grown tomato, or a jalapeno pepper from the gardens. Three federal and state parks are within minutes of High Horse Lodge.

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